By Jamal, Owner & Lead Mover at Bears Moving Co. Updated October 28, 2026.
Why landlords need their own move-in checklist
Most move-in checklists are written for tenants. This one is for landlords, because the landlord's preparation is what determines whether move-in day goes smoothly. A landlord who has done their pre-move-in work correctly prevents 90% of the problems that generate conflict, liability, and bad reviews. Here's the complete checklist.
Two weeks before move-in · Confirm the unit will be fully ready (cleaned, repaired, painted) before move-in day, not the same day. · Send the tenant written move-in instructions: building access procedures, parking for the moving truck, elevator reservation process, contact information for move day. · Request Certificate of Insurance from the tenant's moving company if required. · Confirm COI lists your building/management company as additional insured.
· Confirm utilities are transferred to tenant's name or confirm what's landlord-provided. · Test all keys, fobs, gate codes, and remote access before providing them. · One week before move-in · Reserve the service elevator for the move-in window if applicable. · Confirm the parking area or loading dock is available and communicate any restrictions. · Complete or schedule pre-move-in inspection and document all room conditions with photos.
· Prepare and print the move-in condition checklist for tenant signature. · Move-in day · Be available by phone for the full move-in window, not just the start. · Meet the tenant (or have a representative meet them) for the documented walkthrough before any furniture enters. · Walk every room, note every pre-existing condition, photograph everything, have the tenant sign. · Confirm all utilities are active before you leave.
· Provide a physical copy of building rules, parking regulations, and emergency contacts. · Make a brief welcome gesture, it sets a tone that pays dividends over the tenancy. · After move-in · Send the signed move-in checklist to the tenant by email within 24 hours. · File your copy with dated photographs in the tenant's file. · Follow up at 4–8 hours to confirm no immediate maintenance issues.
· Note the elevator reservation cancellation if the building charges for a no-show.
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Most Atlanta landlords treat move-in day as a tenant logistics issue, the tenant's mover, the tenant's problem. That's a mistake. Move-in day is one of the highest-risk days in a tenancy: the property is being physically accessed, furniture and appliances are being moved through doorways and up stairs, and any damage…
movers, providing clear access instructions, and documenting property condition before the first box enters, dramatically reduce their liability exposure and set a better tone for the tenancy.
Atlanta landlords, particularly those managing units in managed buildings, should require the following from any moving company entering the property:
Most move-in checklists are written for tenants. This one is for landlords, because the landlord's preparation is what determines whether move-in day goes smoothly. A landlord who has done their pre-move-in work correctly prevents 90% of the problems that generate conflict, liability, and bad reviews. Here's the compl…